Here we strongly recommend that this be a piece of instrumental music for two reasons. Firstly, this is a dramatic moment and the nature of the music needs to be heraldic in announcing the arrival of the bride. Secondly, a sung piece at this point can deflect attention from the entrance of the bride which is the focal point at this moment.

Canon in D – Pachelbel
Trumpet Voluntary – J Clarke
Air on the G String – J S Bach
Te Deum Prelude – Charpentier
Bridal Chorus – Wagner
Trumpet Tune in D – Purcell
Grand March from Aida – Verdi

The soloist can lead everyone here in singing an opening hymn that can unify an entire congregation and create a sense of solidarity behind the couple. We only recommend this where you believe your guests will actually join in the singing!

Morning has broken
Praise my soul the King of Heaven
Our God reigns
Be thou my vision

 

It is important where possible to sing this part of the liturgy of the word as the psalms were originally written to be sung. Singing at this point offers a break between the “wordiness” of so many texts. Below are psalms that are all textually very appropriate and meaningful in the context of a wedding ceremony.

May the Lord bless us all the days of our life
What marvels the Lord
Set your heart on the higher gifts
Se an tiarna m’aoire
The Clouds’ Veil

Here is a moment to catch your breath and take some time for reflection.

Vocal
The psalm of Ruth (Wherever you go)
Ave Maria
Pokarekare Ana
When love is found
One hand one heart
Confitemini Domino

Instrumental
Intermezzo – Mascagni
Gabriel’s Oboe
Gadfly – Shostakovich
The Coolin
Tabhair dom do lamh

At this point it is often possible to have an instrumental version of a piece of music that has a special meaning for the bride and groom. Alternatively, here are some popular sung pieces for this point in the ceremony.

Ag Criost an Siol
Ave Maria
The Rose
When love is found
Fields of Gold
As I kneel before you

The principal sung acclamations of the Eucharistic prayer are the Holy, Holy, The Mystery of Faith (after the consecration) and the Great Amen. These can be sung where requested either in Gregorian Chant or in a contemporary music setting.

Sanctus – Orbis Factor
Holy Holy – Joncas
He is Lord
When we eat this bread
Lourdes Amen
Plain Chant Amen

Generally two pieces are needed for communion, the first being a piece which covers the time when people receive communion and the second generally being more reflective and perhaps particular to the bride and groom.

Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria
As I kneel before you
The Clouds’ Veil
Belle Nuit (duet)
When love is found
The prayer
To make you feel my love
Fields of Gold
Perhaps Love
She moved through the fair
Edelweiss
Pokarekare Ana
You raise me up
The Rose

At this point, the religious ceremony itself has ended and we are in to the civil part of the service. Because of the buzz of chatter and photographs being taken, a singer cannot compete against all of this and the function of music here is really background. Therefore, we strongly recommend instrumental music at this point.

Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Gabriel’s Oboe – Morricone
Cinema Paradiso – Morricone
Morning – Grieg
Spring – Four Seasons – Vivaldi
Romance – Shostakovich
Somewhere – Westside Story
You raise me up

This is a really important moment in the ceremony where you process out as husband and wife in a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. The music needs to reflect this. This moment needs an instrumental backdrop and not vocal.

Water Music Suite – G F Handel
Ode to Joy – Beethoven
Wedding March – Mendelssohn
Te Deum Prelude – Charpentier
Trumpet Tune in D – Purcell
Queen of Sheba – G F Handel